Esthetic Skin Institute Launches New Class "Sculptra Aesthetic Training Course"

Esthetic Skin Institute is pleased to announce they will be the only Continuing Education Provider to offer a Sculptra Certification! 

Program Overview

Prerequisite Criteria:  This course is designed for the experienced injector (6mo-1yr of continuous injecting experience) with dermal filling agents.  

Target Audience:  Physicians (MD,DO), NP’s, PA’s, Dentists, RN’s in most states.  It is the responsibility of every licensed medical professional to know and follow their own State guidelines and regulations relating to their area of practice and should direct such questions to their state board.

Sculptra Aesthetic works to replace lost collagen. As we age our body’s collagen production decreases and we see the development of facial wrinkles, sagging skin, loss of facial volume, as well as deep facial folds. Sculptra Aesthetic works to correct shallow to deep facial wrinkles and folds due to its bio-stimulatory effect on collagen.  In turn, it can help provide a refined, more youthful looking appearance.  Generally, 3 injection sessions are needed over a period of 8-12 weeks to produce noticeable results that emerge subtly and can last more than 2 years. Sculptra Aesthetic can smooth deep lines and wrinkles, and restore facial volume lost to the body’s natural ageing process. The treatment must be performed by specially trained medical professionals.

This one-day “premiere” Sculptra® hands-on workshop will provide a morning didactic overview of history, chemical & biological properties, biodegradation, facial aging along with facial anatomy and physiology, appropriate anatomic selection and cosmetic indications for treatment.  Presentation will include contraindications, complications and side effects, as well as prevention and management of complications.  During the training you will learn special techniques to correct deep folds (i.e., nasolabial and marionette), sunken cheeks, wrinkles and lines in the cheeks or chin, and deep scars. With ESI’s low student to instructor ratio, our intense afternoon hands-on sessions led by our expert instructors will provide a tailored one-on-one experience.

Find out more and register at www.esiw.com 

www.esiw.com 

Pfizer Buys Allergan in $160B Deal

Pfizer Buys Allergan in $160B Deal That Will Slash Its U.S. Taxes

Pfizer and Allergan are joining in the biggest buyout of the year, a $160 billion stock deal that will create the world's largest drug maker.

It's also the largest so-called inversion, where an American corporation combines with a company headquartered in a country with a lower corporate tax rate, saving potentially millions each year in U.S. taxes.

Read more here :

http://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/pfizer-buys-allergan-160b-deal-will-slash-its-u-s-n468141

New Galderma Campaign encourages Women to love their “Mom Genes”

FEBRUARY 04, 2016

More Dialogue Needed about the Science and Genetics of Facial Aging, 
According to New Survey

 
FT. WORTH, TEXAS – February 4, 2016 – Women everywhere know that the mother-daughter bond can run deep. Mothers pass down wisdom, advice and inspiration to their daughters – and, as the global skin health and dermatology experts at Galderma know, they also pass down a predisposition to age like them. So why aren’t more women talking about it and taking action? According to recently-released results of a nationwide mother-daughter survey commissioned by Galderma, 82% of moms hope facial aging is easier for their daughters, but more than half never talk about it together.1 Today, Galderma announces the launch of Galderma Mom GenesTM, a campaign to educate women on the genetics of facial aging and to inspire mothers and daughters everywhere to face the future with more optimism and open dialogue.  
 
To kick off the Mom GenesTM campaign, women are encouraged to celebrate moms and the role of “mom genes” in their lives by posting a recreation of a favorite photo of their mom to www.MomGenes.com. For every photo posted, Galderma will donate $5 (up to $50,000) to National Charity League, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering the mother-daughter relationship through hands-on volunteerism that promotes leadership development and a legacy of social awareness and compassion. 

“Galderma has been committed to the skin health and dermatologic needs of women at all stages of life for more than 50 years,” said Miles Harrison, President and General Manager of Galderma North America. “We know that as skin ages, the phrase ’like mother, like daughter‘ often holds true. We celebrate those genetic bonds – and Galderma is a global leader in studying them, to design and provide innovative medical solutions for long-term skin health. We’re launching this campaign to ignite a new and dynamic dialogue about facial aging.” 
 
“Genetics and nurturing good skin health practices are big factors influencing the way the face ages,” said board-certified dermatologist Dr. Doris Day. “Women can learn a lot about how the process may affect them by observing and talking about the changes their moms go through. The great news is both moms and daughters have more options than ever before for addressing facial aging, thanks to recent innovations in skin care and treatments that can help maintain skin health and natural beauty.” 
 
The Mother-Daughter Facial Aging Survey found approximately two-thirds (67%) of moms and daughters report they frequently worry about their face showing signs of aging. That number rises to 77% among daughters who report they are aging like their mom. Furthermore, the vast majority of moms (90%) and daughters (88%) surveyed believe expectations to look younger longer are greater now than in the past. The survey also reported the changing expectations and perceptions regarding treatment options, especially those that produce natural-looking results. More than three-quarters (77%) of daughters and two-thirds (66%) of mothers agree that they would be more interested in a facial treatment at a healthcare specialist’s office if they could get more natural-looking results. A surprising 81% of mothers would support their daughter getting a facial treatment at a healthcare specialist’s office if she wanted one.1
 
 “People are photographing themselves constantly with our current “selfie” culture, and that heightens awareness of our appearance,” said Dr. Day. “Talking to a specialist can help at all stages from providing advice to those in their 20s that will set the stage for skin health to supporting people in their 30s, 40s, 50s age well and truly gracefully. Significant advances have been made to help maintain natural beauty and look as good as they feel. Galderma, one of the leading skin health companies globally, makes many of the trusted aesthetic treatments I recommend to my patients, such as the Restylane® family of products and Sculptra® Aesthetic.”

More information is available at www.MomGenes.com, including an animated infographic with additional statistics from the Mother-Daughter Facial Aging Survey, the Galderma Mom GenesTM Photo Gallery, and special offers from the ASPIRE Galderma Rewards loyalty program.
 
About Facial Aging2-8
Aging is a varied process that is determined by genetics and environmental factors. Researchers using facial imaging and 3D computer modeling to study the aging process have found that mothers and daughters tend to have the same skeletal and cellular make up resulting in similar aging patterns.
 
While every person ages differently, there are general facial aging trends to expect for people in the 30s, 40s and 50s:
• Cells shift in the face and cause the appearance of less volume or sagging
• Bone loss slowly changes facial structure over time
• Less collagen thins the skin causing dryer, less supple, thinner skin
 
About the Mother-Daughter Facial Aging Survey
The Mother-Daughter Facial Aging Survey was conducted online by Wakefield Research (www.wakefieldresearch.com) on behalf of Galderma Laboratories, Inc. among a representative sample of 1,002 women in the United States (502 women ages 50+ with daughters ages 25-40 and 500 women ages 25-40 between October 30 and November 5, 2015). The margin of sampling error at the 95% level of confidence is +/- 4.4 for the total respondents. 
 

About National Charity League, Inc.
National Charity League, Inc. (NCL, Inc.) is a national, non-profit organization with mother and daughter members in chapters across the United States. NCL, Inc. is dedicated to improving local communities through volunteerism, strengthening mother-daughter bonds and empowering strong female leaders. Visit www.nationalcharityleague.org for more information. 
 
About Galderma
Dating back to 1961, Galderma is now present in 100 countries with an extensive product portfolio to treat a range of dermatological conditions. The company partners with healthcare professionals around the world to meet the skin health needs of people throughout their lifetime. Galderma is a leader in research and development of scientifically-defined and medically-proven solutions for the skin, hair and nails.

Strategic brands in the U.S. include Epiduo® Gel, Epiduo® Forte Gel, Oracea® Capsules, Clobex® Spray, Differin® Gel, Mirvaso® Gel, MetroGel® Gel, Soolantra® Cream, Vectical® Cream, Tri-Luma® Cream, Cetaphil®, Benzac® Acne Solutions, Excipial™ Skin Solutions, Qilib™, Restylane®, Restylane® Silk, Restylane® Lyft, Dysport® (abobotulinumtoxinA) 300 Units For Injection and Sculptra® Aesthetic. For more information, please visit www.galderma.com and www.galdermausa.com.


IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Indication: Dysport is a prescription injection for temporary improvement in the look of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines) in adults less than 65 years of age.

What is the most important information you should know about Dysport?
Spread of Toxin Effects: In some cases, the effects of Dysport and all botulinum toxin products may affect areas of the body away from the injection site. These effects can cause symptoms of a serious condition called botulism. Symptoms of botulism can happen hours to weeks after injection and may include swallowing and breathing problems, loss of strength and muscle weakness all over the body, double vision, blurred vision and drooping eyelids, hoarseness or change or loss of voice, trouble saying words clearly, or loss of bladder control. Swallowing and breathing problems can be life threatening and there have been reports of death.

The risk of symptoms is probably greatest in children and adults treated for muscle spasms, particularly in those patients who have underlying medical conditions that could make these symptoms more likely.

The toxic effects have been reported at doses similar to those used to treat muscle spasms in the neck. Lower doses, in both approved and unapproved uses, have also caused toxic effects. This includes treatment of children and adults for muscle spasms.

These effects could make it unsafe for you to drive a car, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities.

Do not have Dysport treatment if you: are allergic to Dysport or any of its ingredients (see the end of the Medication Guide for a list of ingredients), are allergic to cow’s milk protein, had an allergic reaction to any other botulinum toxin product, such as Myobloc® or Botox®, or have a skin infection at the planned injection site.

The dose of Dysport is not the same as the dose of any other botulinum toxin product. The dose of Dysport cannot be compared to the dose of any other botulinum toxin product you may have used.

Dysport may not be right for you if: you have surgical changes to your face, very weak muscles in the treatment area, your face looks very different from side to side, the injection site is inflamed, you have droopy eyelids or sagging eyelid folds, deep facial scars, thick oily skin, or if your wrinkles can’t be smoothed by spreading them apart.

Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, including if you have: a disease that affects your muscles and nerves (such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis [ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease], myasthenia gravis, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome), allergies to any botulinum toxin product or had any side effect from any botulinum toxin product in the past, a breathing problem (such as asthma or emphysema), swallowing problems, bleeding problems, diabetes, or a slow heart beat or other problem with your heart rate or rhythm, plans to have surgery, had surgery on your face, weakness of your forehead muscles (such as trouble raising your eyebrows), drooping eyelids, or any other change in the way your face normally looks. Patients with a disease that affects muscles and nerves who are treated with typical doses of Dysport may have a higher risk of serious side effects, including severe swallowing and breathing problems.

Human Albumin
This product contains albumin taken from human plasma. Steps taken during donor screening and product manufacturing processes make the risk of spreading viral diseases extremely rare. In theory, there is also an extremely rare risk of contracting Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). No cases of spread of viral diseases or CJD have ever been reported for albumin.

Allergic Reaction to Injecting in the Skin
It is not known if an allergic reaction can be caused by injecting Dysport into the skin. The safety of treating excessive sweating with Dysport is not known.

Common Side Effects
The most common side effects are nose and throat irritation, headache, injection site pain, injection site skin reaction, upper respiratory tract infection, eyelid swelling, eyelid drooping, sinus inflammation, and nausea.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins and herbal and other natural products. Using Dysport with certain other medicines may cause serious side effects. Do not start any new medicines while taking Dysport without talking to your doctor first.

Especially tell your doctor if you: have received any other botulinum toxin product in the last four months, have received injections of botulinum toxin, such as Myobloc® (rimabotulinumtoxinB) or Botox® (onabotulinumtoxinA) in the past (be sure your doctor knows exactly which product you received), have recently received an antibiotic by injection, take muscle relaxants, take an allergy or cold medicine, or take a sleep medicine.

Use in Specific Populations
Dysport should not be used in children or in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Ask your doctor if Dysport is right for you.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visitwww.fda.gov/medwatch or call1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see Dysport Full Prescribing Information including Medication Guide

The Dysport trademark is used under license. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 


# # #

References: 
1. Mother-Daughter Facial Aging Study. Wakefield Research 2015.
2. Camp M, Wong W, Filip Z, Carter C, Gupta S. A quantitative analysis of periorbital aging with three-dimensional surface imaging. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery. 2011; 64(2):148-154.
3. Coleman SR, Grover R. The anatomy of the aging face: volume loss and changes in 3-dimensional topography. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2006; 26(suppl 1): S4-S9. 
4. Zimbler MS, Kokoska MS, Thomas JR. Anatomy and pathophysiology of facial aging. Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America. 2001; 9(2):179-187. 
5. Vleggaar D, Fitzgerald R. Dermatological implications of skeletal aging: a focus on supraperiosteal columizations for perioral rejuvenation. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2008; 7(3):209-220.
6. Donofrio LM. Fat distribution: a morphologic study of the aging face. Dermatologic Surgery. 2000; 26(12):1107-1112.
7. Gierloff M, Stohring C, Buder T, Gassling V, Acil Y, Wiltfang J. Aging changes of the midfacial fat compartments: a computed tomographic study. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2012; 129(9):263-273.
8. Mendelson B, Wong CH. Changes in the facial skeleton with aging: implications and clinical applications in facial rejuvenation. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2012; 36:753-760.

READ MORE:

http://www.galderma.com/Media/Press-releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/100/New-Galderma-Campaign-encourages-Women-to-love-their-Mom-Genes

Depressed? Botox just might help you feel better

Nothing helped with her debilitating depression. Not massage therapy, not physical therapy and not aqua therapy. And then, Vivian Cooke found Botox.

Several times a year, Cooke receives an injection of the drug — best known for smoothing out facial wrinkles by paralyzing muscles or blocking nerves — between her eyebrows to help with depression.

“This is an alternative for me that has proven to be, almost immediately, giving the result that I want, and that is to feel happier and not be depressed,” Cooke told TODAY.

Check out the rest of this article and a clip here

http://www.today.com/health/depressed-botox-just-might-help-you-feel-better-1D79912948

How Young Is Too Young for Botox?

by Morgan Korn

You probably know someone who has been injected with Botox – and you might be surprised by how young they are.

Botox has become the most popular cosmetic treatment in the United States, accounting for 3.77 million of the 5.89 million injectable procedures performed in 2013, according to a survey conducted by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). And that number keeps rising: Injectable procedures were up nearly 16 percent last year compared with 2012.

The demand for Botox has become so strong that many doctors who are not plastic surgeons are now trained in the practice. But the concerns surrounding Botox have shifted in recent years from safety to the increasingly younger ages at which women are seeking injections. Women in their mid-to-late 20s are increasingly turning to Botox to prevent the onset of wrinkles. And men are too, actually: The number of cosmetic procedures for males rose 22 percent from 2000 through 2012, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 

Botox – a drug made from a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium clostridium botulinum, the same toxin causes a life-threatening type of food poisoning called botulism – works by blocking signals from the nerves to the muscles. Areas injected with Botox, or competitors like Dysport and Xeomin, become weakened or temporarily paralyzed, and the effect relaxes and softens facial wrinkles for an average of three to four months.

The appeal of Botox might be understandable for older women eager to hide signs of aging, but why would a 21-year-old be interested in such a procedure? Michael Edwards, MD, president of ASAPS, says celebrities’ obsession with Botox has raised its profile with teens and young women. Kim Kardashian, for example, admitted to trying Botox in 2010, at the age of 29.

“We’re seeing younger and younger people doing it,” he explains. “It’s not uncommon to have 22- and 23-year-olds getting Botox.”

Young people ages 19 to 34 underwent more than 546,000 Botox procedures last year, an 11.7 percent increase from 2012 and a 36 percent rise from 2010. To compare, those between 35 and 50 underwent 1.72 million Botox procedures in 2013, while teens 18 and younger got 1,149 procedures. Edwards says he would not accept Botox patients who are under the age of 18 unless that individual had parental consent. 

And while he has talked young women out of Botox, he will inject some younger individuals if the circumstances warrant it. “If it’s a healthy young person with an animated face I’ll happily do it,” he says. “I see a lot of young people with wrinkles.”

The FDA has approved Botox for 10 uses in the United States. The list includes crow’s feet, frown lines (wrinkles between the eyebrows), crossed eyes, uncontrollable blinking, chronic migraines, neck spasms, and excessive sweating, while injections in the forehead and around the corners of the mouth are not scientifically authorized by the government agency and performed “off label.”

New York-based plastic surgeon Doris Day, MD, says she has injected an 18-year-old patient with Botox. That particular patient had a “strong crease” across her forehead and it was more of a “medical than aesthetic” decision, Day explains. The Botox “took the edge off” and the young woman has continued with yearly injections for the last five years, according to Day. In general, Day – who has been practicing cosmetic dermatology in New York for more than 15 years – does not ask a patient for his or her age before treatment, but emphasizes that 17- and 18-year-olds asking for Botox are “misguided” and cautions that Botox “is not a spa treatment.”

According to Botox maker Allergan, the injectable was “approved in the United States in 2002 for the temporary improvement of moderate to severe glabellar lines (frown lines between the brows) for patients aged 18 to 65 years.”

Day suggests that young adults who want to age “successfully” focus on their skincare regime first before turning to Botox. That means wearing sunscreen on a daily basis, sleeping eight hours each night, and applying topical retinol and antioxidant creams and serums. She also educates individuals about “correct” facial postures – how to smile from the eyes and not the mouth, for instance – and “neutralizing” expressions that tend to breakdown collagen from repetition (like squinting and frowning).

Young adults, she insists, tend to forget one very important aspect of Botox: It’s not a wrinkle cure-all.

“Young people have this attitude that we can ‘laser it, fill it, Botox it’,” she says. “[Botox] can only repair so much.”

original article here

https://www.yahoo.com/health/how-young-is-too-young-for-botox-91917811907.html

Galderma to gain rights to Restylane, Perlane, Sculptra and Dysport in the United States and Canada

Galderma to gain rights to Restylane, Perlane, Sculptra and Dysport in the United States and Canada

MAY 29, 2014

• Galderma positioned to commercialize Restylane®, Perlane®, Emervel®, Sculptra®, Dysport® in
  the U.S. and Canada
• Galderma reinforces long‐term commitment to meet physician and patient needs in aesthetic and corrective dermatology worldwide

Fort Worth, Texas (May 28, 2014) – Galderma Laboratories, L.P. (“Galderma”) announced today that Nestlé S.A., Switzerland, one of Galderma’s shareholders, has entered into an agreement with Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. and related entities (“Valeant”), through which Galderma will become the distributor of several key products in aesthetic dermatology. Galderma will gain full rights to
commercialize Restylane, Perlane, Emervel, Sculptra and Dysport for use in aesthetic dermatology in the U.S. and Canada.

Humberto C. Antunes, President & CEO of Galderma worldwide, based in Lausanne, Switzerland, expressed, “We are very grateful that Nestlé has continued to support Galderma through this transaction. The U.S. and Canada represent more than 50 percent of the fast growing global medical aesthetics market. This move secures Galderma’s continued ability to invest in product innovation, medical education, customer service and consumer awareness. Thanks to this agreement with Valeant,
Galderma will be able to provide this best‐in‐class portfolio of fillers and muscle relaxant for aesthetic and corrective dermatology also in the United States and Canada.”

Stuart Raetzman, CEO of Galderma Laboratories, L.P. and Galderma North America, said from Fort Worth, Texas, “This further marks the commitment of Galderma employees in the United States and Canada to aesthetic and corrective dermatology. We all work together to maintain the industry’s highest standards of clinical safety and efficacy, to bring a wide range of scientifically advanced and clinically proven medical solutions to physicians. Our portfolio of products, combined with exclusive services and medical training programs, positions Galderma as the preferred partner of dermatologists, plastic surgeons and aesthetic physicians.”

Restylane, Perlane and Emervel are manufactured by Galderma and sold by its subsidiaries globally, except in the U.S. and Canada, where Valeant holds the distribution rights under terms of a pre‐existing agreement with Medicis, which was acquired by Valeant in 2012. Through this transaction, Galderma will be able to further develop and supply these innovative and leading brands globally.
Sculptra is owned by Valeant. Through this transaction Galderma is acquiring this product and will commercialize it in the U.S. and Canada and select other markets around the world.

Dysport (branded Azzalure in Europe) is marketed by Galderma for aesthetic dermatology indications in many markets around the world. Valeant holds the distribution rights for the aesthetic dermatology indications under a similar agreement with Ipsen. Through this transaction, Galderma will gain the right to commercialize Dysport for aesthetic dermatology indications in the U.S. and Canada.

This transaction is also subject to regulatory clearance and other customary closing conditions. Credit Suisse acted as financial advisors, and Debevoise and Plimpton as legal advisors to Galderma.

In February 2014, Nestlé announced that it had entered into an agreement with L’Oreal S.A. under which it will acquire the remaining 50 percent of Galderma owned by L’Oréal. The transaction between Nestlé and Valeant is subject to regulatory clearance and certain other conditions, and is expected to close in July.

see original article here 

http://www.galderma.com/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/59/Galderma-to-gain-rights-to-Restylane-Perlane-Sculptra-and-Dysport-in-the-United-States-and-Canada

Is your Botox authentic?

By Amy FrazierUpdated: Tuesday, February 11, 2014, 6:43 pmPublished: Tuesday, February 11, 2014, 3:26 pm

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Marilyn Dawkins said she has Botox to thank for never having to admit she’s 67.

“I have a fake ID that says I’m 48, and I’m sticking to it,” she said.

She always trusted she was getting the real FDA-approved Botox — until KOIN 6 News showed her some documentation.

A statement issued by the FDA in November 2013 announced the agency alerted 230 medical practices over the summer – including some local practices – about distribution of “fraudulent and unapproved versions of Botox.”

The FDA sent a letter to specific doctors that said their practice may have purchased or received unapproved, fraudulent versions of Botox which “may cause harm to patients.” The letter told the doctors to stop using it if they had it.

While the FDA told KOIN 6 News the investigation is ongoing, the agency confirmed an unlicensed company — using names like “Online Botox Pharmacy,” “onlinebotox.com” and “onlinebotox” — sold something to medical practices labeled as Botox which could have “harmful ingredients” and hasn’t had the safety testing and oversight required by US law.  Investigators said medications from this firm may be from foreign or unknown sources.

The FDA urged the health care community to examine its purchasing practices.

“Anybody that chooses to buy outside of the legitimate drug supply chain is going to run the risk of receiving unapproved or counterfeit medicines,” an FDA spokesperson said by phone.

A vial of real Botox (KOIN 6 News, file)

Allergan, the manufacturer of authentic Botox, told KOIN 6 News doctors should purchase Botox directly from the company or its authorized distributors.

The FDA said the unlicensed supplier sent out mass faxes to clinics selling products at “prices below those of FDA-approved products.”

Dr. Roger Dailey, with the Casey Eye Institute’s Aesthetic Facial Surgery Center at OHSU, helped start the Physicians Coalition of Injectable Safety seven years ago, in part to raise awareness and prevent this type of situation.

“I know for sure that some providers in some spas are giving what they believe to be the actual product,” Dailey told KOIN 6 News. “I think the people who buy it, it’s hard for me to imagine that they don’t know that it’s not FDA-approved.”

Using a list from the FDA’s website, KOIN 6 News checked with some of the medical practices in Oregon that received the FDA’s warning letter about possible fraudulent Botox.

On the list were Aestheticare and Laser Wellness Center, 1246 NE 7th Street in Grants Pass, Bridgeport Laser and Wellness Center, 7180 SW Hazelfern Road in Tigard and the Oregon Headache Clinic, 15259 SE 82nd Drive in Clackamas.

Spokespeople for each location told KOIN 6 News they only get their Botox from Allergan, the manufacturer, but declined to answer questions on-camera. They all said they were not concerned about the products they were using on their patients.

In a statement, Bridgeport Laser and Wellness Center said, “We were contacted by the FDA in July 2013 after our name and number were found in another physician’s office. In speaking directly with the FDA, we discovered that the company “Online Botox” had used our practice name in reference as a way to help sell its products based on our large number of online 5-star reviews. We have never done business with “Online Botox” and only use Allergan products.”

The FDA would only say to KOIN 6 News that it sent letters to certain medical practices “based on information indicating that the facility purchased or received product from the supplier identified in the letter.”

If doctors are found to have used fraudulent Botox there can be serious consequences.

“If you administer a non-FDA approved medication to a patient, the medical board can take away your license,” Dr. Dailey said, “and it’s a federal offense punishable by prison time.”

The FDA told KOIN 6 News the agency notified the Oregon Medical Board about the letters it sent to physicians.

The OMB declined a request for an on-camera interview. In a written statement, Operations and Policy Analyst Nicole Krishnaswami said the board’s investigations department “contacts the physician to determine what steps are necessary.”

The investigations are confidential and what steps might be taken were not divulged. But if disciplinary action is taken, “the board’s action becomes public record.”

At this point, no disciplinary action has been taken.

A vial of real Botox (KOIN 6 News, file)

On its website, Allergan clearly states how anyone can verify they are receiving authentic Botox:

“You’ll see a US license number listed beneath the copyright information. … Look for a holographic film on the vial label. Allergan should appear within the rainbow lines. If you do not see the rainbow lines or the name Allergan does not appear, do not use the product.”

Anyone who thinks they may have received fraudulent Botox — either it didn’t work right or led to a bad reaction — is asked to report that to theFDA.

Now that Marilyn Dawkins knows, she said it is “something to be aware of and now check.”

She’s only had good experiences with Botox and wants to keep it that way.

“This is my face, you know.”

http://koin.com/2014/02/11/botox-authentic/